Umbilical hernia
An umbilical hernia occurs when an organ, usually part of the intestine, pushes through a weak area around the belly button, causing a noticeable bulge.
When this happens, it can sometimes cause pain and lead to complications that may require surgical repair.
Anyone can develop an umbilical hernia, regardless of age. However, certain factors may increase the risk, including smoking, obesity, and older age. Hernias can also vary by sex: inguinal hernias are more common in men, while umbilical and femoral hernias are more common in women.
Although many umbilical hernias do not cause serious problems, the tissue inside the hernia can sometimes become trapped and unable to return to its normal position. This is called an incarcerated hernia. If the blood supply is reduced or cut off, it can cause severe pain and tissue damage. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention.
Surgery: Umbilical reconstruction
The only treatment that can permanently repair an umbilical hernia is surgery. Hernia belts and other remedies are not enough to prevent the hernia from getting larger or causing complications.
To reduce the risk of complications, it is recommended to have your hernia evaluated by a surgeon and discuss surgical repair if appropriate.
Umbilical hernia repair can be performed through open surgery or laparoscopic surgery, which is a minimally invasive technique.